Vending machine



Jan. 25, 1965 A. W. HOLSTEIN ETAL VENDING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed June 6, 1960 Jan. 26, 1965 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,167,215

VENDING MACHINE Filed June 6, 1960 12 Sheets$heet 2 FIGZ.

Jam 1965 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,

VENDING MACHINE Jan. 26, 1965 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3, 7,

VENDING MACHINE Filed June 6, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 1965 A. w. HOLSTEINETAL 3, 15

VENDING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 6, 1960 Jan. 26, 1965 A. w.HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,

VENDING MACHINE Filed June 6. 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 26, 1965 A. w.HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,167,215

VENDING MACHINE Filed June 6, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 1965 A. w. HOLSTEINETAL 3,

VENDING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed June 6, 1960 lllliL PI Jan. 26,1965 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL VENDING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed June6, 1960 FIG. I7.

1965 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,

VENDING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed June 6, 1960 vmq ma mmm mm 3% Rx mm mm, Rd NW)! QMQ HI 5% E W M Q s \{QM Sn 3 T 3m 3 Q mm mm/W 1% V\ ammmm 3 8m @a Q 9 NM 8 5 Ea w H NM $2 I9 8 \g Q? 3 m q mu b m4 mx u UnitedStates Patent 3,167,215 Patented Jan. 26, 1965 VENDING MACHINE Alvin W.Holstein, Lemay, Clifford B. Adams, Bellefontaine Neighbors, and CharlesI). Vises, St. Louis, Mo., assignors, by inesne assignments, toUniversal Match Corporation, Ferguson, Mm, a corporation of DelawareFiled June 6, 1960, Ser. No. 34,112 10 Claims. (Cl. 221-6) Thisinvention relates to vending machines, and more particularly to avending machine of a type which may be referred to as a merchandizer forvending various items of merchandise, such as packaged wearing apparel.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision ofa vending machine of the class described having a plurality of magazinesor dispensers each adapted to hold a stock of items, and having acontrol system adapted to permit a series of the magazines or dispensersto be stocked with the same item of merchandise (for example, with oneparticular size of an item of clothing, such as mens underwear) and toprovide for vending from the first magazine or dispenser in the seriesuntil it is emptied, then from the second until it is emptied, then fromthe third until it is emptied, and so on throughout the series; theprovision of a vending machine such as described having apurchaser-operable control for each magazine or dispenser, and havingtransfer controls adapted to be set in a first position for effectingvending from each magazine or dispenser only in response to operation ofthe respective purchaser-operable control thereby to permit eachdispenser to be stocked with a different item of merchandise, andadapted to be set in a second position for effecting vending from thefirst magazine or dispenser in the series until it is emptied, then fromthe second until it is emptied, and so on throughout the series inresponse to operation of any one of the purchaser-operable controlsthereby to permit all dispensers in the series to be stocked with thesame item of merchandise; and the provision of a vending machine such asdescribed which is reliable in operation. Other objects and featureswill be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafterdescribed, the scope of the invention being indicated in the followingclaims.

In the accompanying drawings in which one of various possibleembodiments of the invention is illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a vending machine of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the machine with a door of the cabinet ofthe machine in open position, parts being broken away to reduce thewidth of the view;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2, andillustrating a column of the machine pulled out to loading position;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 3, broken away to reduce thewidth of the view;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a moved position ofparts;

FIG. 8 is a fragment of FIG. 7 illustrating a further moved position ofparts;

FIG. 9 is a vertical section taken on line 99 of FIG. 6, and drawn withthe lowermost shelf appearing as if it were hanging vertically downwardrather than angled as in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a detail section taken on line 1010 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an enlargement of the upper part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged section taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragment of FIG. 12 illustrating a moved position of parts;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a vertical section taken on line 1515 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing an extended position ofparts;

FIG. 17 is a vertical section taken on line 1717 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 showing a moved position of parts;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 2 showing certainpurchaser-operable push buttons;

FIG. 20 is a horizontal section taken on line 20-20 of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 21 and 22 are wiring diagrams.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, first more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, avending machine of this invention is shown to comprise a cabinet Ahaving a front door D. The door is shown as hinged at its left side tothe cabinet to be swingable outward away from the cabinet on a verticalaxis. The machine further comprises a plurality of vending columns, eachgenerally designated by the letter C. Six such columns are shown, andthese are specifically designated C1-C6. These six columns areidentical, each comprising a plurality of magazines each genericallydesignated by the letter M. As herein illustrated, each column comprisesthree magazines. Thus, there are eighteen magazines in the machine, andthese are specifically designated M1 to M18. Magazines M1 to M3 aregrouped in column C1, magazines M4 to M6 are grouped in column C2, etc.Each magazine is adapted to hold a stock of items I to be vended. Eachitem I may, for example, be an item of mens underwear packaged in acarton. Means is provided for mounting columns C1-C6 (each comprisingthree magazines) for individual movement thereof from a position withinthe cabinet to a loading position outside the cabinet when door D isopen. FIG. 3 shows column C2 in loading position. The mountingarrangement is such that when in the cabinet, columns C1-C6 arepositioned side-byside closely adjacent one another for maximumutilization of space in the cabinet. The columns and magazines are soconstructed that any given magazine is adapted to be loaded with itemsfrom one side of the magazine (its right side as herein illustrated)when the column including that magazine is in loading position. Eachmagazine has an actuating means associated therewith for effecting thedispensing of items therefrom, as will be made clear.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, it will be observed that, as toeach of columns C1-C6, the three magazines thereof are located onebehind another. Thus, as to column C1, magazine M1 is at the front, M2is behind M1, and M3 is at the rear behind M2; as to column C2, magazineM4 is at the front, M5 is behind M4, and M6 is at the rear behind M5.The arrangement as to the other columns will be apparent. The magazinesare all essentially identical, each comprising a verticalchannel-section shelf support 1, the web of which is designated 3, andthe side flanges of which are designated 5. As to each of columns C1-C6,the shelf support 1 of the front magazine of the column (such asmagazine M1 of column C1) is arranged with its web 3 toward thefront andits side flanges 5 extending rearward. The shelf supports 1 of theintermediate and rear magazines (such as M2 and M3 of column C1) arearranged reversely in respecttothe shelf support of the front magazine;that is to say;'their side'fiange's S'extend forward. Each columnprojects'rearward from the back of the flange19. The

" lower end portion of the loop is receivedbe'tween' tangs C1-C6comprises a vertical side wall 7 (which is at the 7 left side of thecolumn as herein illustrated). This side Wall 7 is constituted by plates9 and 1 1. The shelf support 1 of the front magazine has one side flange(its left side flan'ge) aflixed to plate 9. This plate 9 extendsrearward from the channel member 1 of the front magazine, and has alaterally extending flange 12 at its rear. Plate llextends-rear'ward incontinuation'of plate '9, having a laterally extending vertical flange,13 at the front which 'engages'theflange'llof plate9. The shelf supports'1 of,

the intermediate and rear magazines of each column have one 'sideflange'5 afiixed to plate 11, the shelf 's'upport of i the rearmagazinebeing at the rear of plate 11 and the shelf support of the intermediatemagazine being midway between the shelf support of the rear magazine andthe lateralflanges 12,13. Thus, each'column C1-C6 is constituted by theassembly of plates 9 and 11 (constituting Side "wal1'7) and "the threeshelf supports 1 of the three magazines in the column. Between thefrontshelf sup" port 1 and the lateral wall constituted by lateral flanges12, 13 is a space which extends from'top to bottom of the'colurnnandwhich constitutes the chamber 14 of the front-magazine. Betweentheintermediate shelf support 1 and lateral Wall 12, 13:is a'similarspace which constitutes the chamber 14of the'intermediate magazine.'Between the rear shelf "support 1 and the intermediate whichproject-rearward from the back of flange 19.

The flange 19 has an opening 47 for access to the other side of the loopfrom the front 'of flange 19. The arrangement is such'that a tool, suchas a screw driver, may be inserted in ,theopening '47 from the front forpushing the accessible side of the loop toward itsother side to retractthe pin 33 from the hole 37 for removal of the shelf from betweentheside flanges 5 of shelf support 1. v

Bracket 44 has a lower part 49 projecting from the back of the shelf.Bracket parts 43 and.49 carry a metalbushing 51 (see FIG. l0,particularly) for the pivotal mounting on the back of -the flange 19-ofa catch 53 and a trip 55 for the catch. The bushing extends parallel tothe flange 19-ina plane perpendicular to the flange 19, beingreceived insuitable openings the bracket parts and having its ends projectingtherefrom.

The catch53 comprises a sheet metal" stamping having.

an ear 57 overlying the upper bracket part 43. 'Thisear is provided withan opening receiving the upper end 'of the bushing'51. The catch is alsoformed to have a bottom arm 59 underlying the lower bracket part-49 andprovided :with an' opening'receiving the lower 'end of the bushing.Above the ear 57, the catch has anilpper arm 61 in the form ofa hook-The trip 55 consists of-a length of metal rod bent to haveaportion .63which is T rotatably received in the bushing 51, a laterally project-'shelf support l'is a similar space which constitutes the;

chamber 14 of the T631 magazine. As will be apparent from FIG. 3,magazine chambers 14 are all open at theright side for'side loading.Each column has a handle CH at the 'front.

Each of the-magazines M1-M18', comprises a vertical "series of dropshelves pivotally. mounted at one end there-.

'of' betweenf'the side flanges 5 of the respective channelsection shelfsupport 1 andextending into the respective magazine'chamber, 14. .The'shelves of the front magazines extend re'arward,'*andthe shelves of therearand in termediate'magazines extend forward. The, shelves are"locatedone above the'other. Each shelf is adapted to occupya horizontalarticle-carrying position, and'to swing 'down from that position fordispensing th e'item I thereon. By way of example, each magazine haseighteen drop shelves. .Thus, with theeighteen magazines 'Mi-Mlci,

the machine isadapted'to be stocked with three hundred 'andtwenty-fouritems. The shelves, which are all identical, are generally designated bythe. reference character'15, the bot'tom shelf being speciallydesignated 15b and the top shelf 15t. Each'shelf is piv'otallymountedatits rearward 'end gbetween the side flanges 5 of the respective shelfsupport 1' for swinging movement .on a transverse hori- Zontal'axis, byscribed.

l Eachlshelfjv'vhich'mayfbe'made of sheet met aLFhas a Vdownwardly'directed flange 19 at its pivot end (see FIGS.

6 and'9). .At each ofthei lower cornersof the flange 19,

means of a hinge member 17 to be'de:

flange '19. :The portion 67fof the trip 55 is engageable with the bottomarm 59 of'thecatch. The trip is biased in counterclockwise directionasi'viewed in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 .by. a spring 75. The bias of spring 75is weaker 7 "than that ofspring 71.

The hook dlfof the catch 53 of each shelf is engageable with alug 77which extends inward from the adjacent side flange 5 of the channelmember 1. There is a separate lug'77 for each catch, the lugs beingformed by striking inward :portions of this side flange 5.- With a catchin the latching'position as shown in FIGS; 5 and 7 .and with therespective hook-61 engaging therespective lug 77, the respective .shelfis held latched inthe horizontal article-carrying position such iasis'shown in and on the back of. the flange, hing'ejeyes 25 and 27 areprovidedfor the hinge member 17. These areears b'ent fromthe'sheetmetalof thefflange. Hinge member 17 comprises apiece'o fspringwire, bent soas to havea' 'loopi portion 29 of inverted U-sh'ape, and horizontalhinge pin portions 31 and 33 which extend laterally outward from theends of thejsidesofthe loop portion. Pin 31 is slidably-received intheeye 25, and'pin 33 is slidably FIG. 4 for all the shelves'and asshown in FIG. 6 for the two'top; shelves. I f a U a 'For'op'erating thetrips 55 ,to' o'p'enate the catches 53 to release the shelves, there isprovided a rotary mem-. ber 79' which extends vertically 'withinthespace in shelf support 1 between the pivot ends ofxthe shelves and web 3ofyshelf'support 1 This member-79 consists of a sheet -metalangl'e bar;having pivot pins811 and 83 welded to its upper and loweriends. Theupper pin. 81 is journaledin a lugfls on the web of shelf support 1 atits upper end and the lower pin83 is 'journaled inja lug 87 on the webof the shelf support at'its lower end.

received in' the'eye:27. As to each of the shelves, pin, 7

31 is slidably and rotatably received in a hole 35in one side flange 50fshelf support 1, and pin 33 is slidably and rotatably'received in ahole'37 in the other side flange 5 of the shelf support. I

The loop 29 extends upward on the back of the shelf 'flan'ge19 andisconfi'n'ed against swinging outward away from theflange ,19 by havingone of its sides received in a V riotch 41 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) in theupper part43'of a G-shaped bracket 44-mounted on-flange 191. Part 43 Thebar 79 has a plurality of fingers 89 'for engagement .with the lateralvarms 65' of the trips 55. The'drop of each shelf is limited by'astop'90.

. On the back of the flange 19 of each shelfis a lug 91. Thismay'be'struck from the sheet -Tm'etal-of the flange. As to' each-shelf(except the uppermost shelf),

.when it is held by its catch53 in its raised article-carrying position,its lug 91 engages the feeler'69. of the trip 55 of the nextshelf above'to hold this trip in a retracted position such as is shown for the shelflit in FIG; 5. As

to eachshelf (except the 'lowermost'shelf), itsltrip 55 is released formovement under the bias of spring 75 from the retracted position to anoperative position such as is shown in FIG. 7 when the next shelf belowis released from its raised article-carrying position and swingsdownward. When a trip is in its retracted position, its lateral arm liesclear of the path of movement of the respective finger 89 on the tripoperating bar 79. When a trip 55 is in its operative position (the shelfwhich carries the trip being in the raised position), the lateral arm 65of the trip is positioned for engagement by the respective finger 89 onthe bar 79 (see FIG. 7).

The cabinet A has side walls 93, a rear wall 95, a top wall 97 and abottom wall 99. The hinge for door D is indicated at 101. It will beunderstood that a lock 103 is provided for locking the door closed. Eachof the columns C1-C6 is suspended from the top of the cabinet by trackmeans generally designated T in such manner as to permit each column toslide substantially completely out of the front of the cabinet when thedoor D is open. The track means for each of columns C1- C6 areidentical, each comprising a pair of fixed channel-section outer rails105 (see FIGS. 14-16) secured to the top wall of the cabinet within thecabinet, ar ranged vertically with the open sides of the channelsections opposed one to the other, and extending from front-to-rear ofthe cabinet. Slidable in the outer rails 105 are extensiblechannel-section inner rails 107. Each of the inner rails carries anupper rear roller 109, upper and lower intermediate rollers 111 and 113,and a lower forward roller 115 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). These rollersproject through openings such as indicated at 117 in the flanges ofinner rails 107 and engage the flanges of outer rails 105.

Each of the columns C1-C6 has a horizontal top plate 119 on top of whichis secured a horizontal channel member 121. The latter has horizontalflanges 123 extending laterally outward from the upper edges of its sideflanges which ride on rollers 113 and 11S and between rollers 111 and113. The inner rails 107 are adapted to slide forward out of the outerrails 105 from the retracted position of FIG. 15 to the extendedposition of FIG. 16, the latter being determined by engagement of lugs125 on the inner rails with shoulders 127 at the rearward end of stopplates 129 carried by the fixed outer rails 105. In their extendedposition, the inner rails 107 are cantilevered outward from the cabinet,rollers 111 and 113 are located adjacent the forward ends of the outerrails 105, and rear rollers 109 are engageable with the upper horizontalflanges of the outer rails to prevent the inner rails from tippingdownward. Each column C1-C6 is suspended from the respective inner rails107 by reason of the flanges 123 of channel member 121 bearing onrollers 113 and 115, and is slidable relative to the inner rails betweena retracted position wholly within the cabinet and a loading positionprojecting outward beyond the cabinet (and projecting forward beyond theextended inner rails 107) and determined by engagement of lugs 131 onchannel members 121 with the rear of rollers 115 (see FIG. 16). Theretracted position of each column is determined by engagement of lugs131 with the front of rollers 113 and by the engagement of additionallugs 133 on channel members 121 with the front of rollers 115 (see FIG.15).

Secured at the top of the cabinet between each pair of outer rails 105is a horizontal channel member 135. Each of these channel members 135carries three units, each generically designated 137, for actuating thetripoperating bars 79 of the three magazines of the respective column.Each unit 137 (see FIGS. 12 and 17) comprises a gear box 139 suspendedfrom the channel member 135. Suspended from the gear box is an electricmotor 141. The shaft of the motor is indicated at 143. This drives avertical camshaft via reduction gearing (not shown) in box 141. Thecamshaft has a plate cam 147 at its lower end. This cam has aheartshaped cam groove 149 in its bottom face (see FIG. 12). A lever 151is pivoted intermediate its ends at 153 on the bottom of a U-shapedbracket 155 depending from channel member 135. This lever 151 has afollower roll 157 at one end received in the cam groove 149. At itsother end, the lever has a downwardly extending side flange 159. Anauxiliary lever 161 pivoted at 163 on lever 151 has a downwardlyextending side flange 165 on the opposite side of lever 151 from flange159. The auxiliary lever 161 is biased in the direction for engagementof its side flange 165 with the edge of the lever 151 opposite flange159 by a spring 169 having one end connected at 171 to lever 151 and itsother end connected at 173 to lever 151. The upper pivot pin 81 of eachtrip-operating bar 79 is formed as a crank 175 at its upper end, thiscrank being provided with a roller 177 adapted for reception betweenflanges 159 and 165. The cranks extend through openings 179 in members119 and 121. The arrangement is such that upon a revolution of thecamshaft 145 and cam 147, lever 151 is swung in one direction to rotatethe trip-operating bar 79 from its initial FIG. 5 position to its FIG. 7position and then is swung back in the opposite direction to return thetripoperating bar 79 to its initial FIG. 5 position.

A switch 181 is mounted on the bottom of a horizontal plate 182extending from gear box 139. This switch has an operating arm 133carrying a roller 184 at its free end. The arm is biased outward byspring means in the switch 181 for engagement of roller 184 with a disk185 fixed on camshaft 145 above cam 147. This disk 185 has a peripheralnotch 187. Cam 147 has a hole 189 adapted to receive a button 191 on aspring detent 193. Cam 147 and disk 185 have a rest position determinedby engagement of the button 191 on the detent 193 in the hole 189. Inthe rest position of the cam and disk, lever 151 is positioned as shownin FIG. 12 with the channel 195 defined by flanges 159 and 165 in acentral position. Roller 134- on switch arm 183 bears on the peripheryof disk 185 just off one end of notch 187 which constitutes its trailingend. When the motor 141 is energized, the cam 147 and disk 185 rotate inthe direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12. Near the end of arevolution, switch arm 183 moves outward away from switch 181, roller184 moving out into the notch. This instigates deenergization of themotor 141, as will be made clear, and the camshaft 145 and the cam 147and disk 185 complete a single revolution, returning to their restposition of FIG. 12, detent button 191 entering the hole 189 in cam 147to bring the parts to a stop in the rest position. Upon a revolution ofcam 147 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12, lever 151 isswung clockwise as viewed in FIG. 12 through an angle of about 30, andthen returned counterclockwise back to its rest position. Upon suchswinging of the lever, the trip-operating bar 79 is rotated from itsFIG. 5 rest position to its FIG. 7 position, and then back to its FIG. 5rest position. FIG. 12 shows a unit 137 for a front magazine of acolumn. It will be understood that since the intermediate and rearmagazines of each column are reversed in position as regards the frontmagazine, the units 137 for the intermediate and rear magazines arereversed in position as regards the unit 137 for the front magazine.Otherwise, the units 137 for the intermediate and rear magazines areidentical to unit 137 shown in FIG. 12.

Associated with each unit 137 is an empty switch 197 for the respectivemagazine (see FIGS. 17 and 18). This empty switch is mounted on one sideof the U-shaped bracket 155. It has an operating arm 199 with a roller201 at the free end of the arm. These are at the bottom of the switch.The arm is biased downward by spring means in the switch. It is held upby a lever 203 pivoted at 205 on a side flange 5 of shelf support 1 whenthe top shelf 15t of the respective magazine is in its horizontalposition (see FIG. 17). Lever 203 is controlled by a bellcrank 207pivoted at 209 on the same the bellcrank is then held by the top shelflet to :hold 1 lever 203 in its raised position of FIG. 17 to holdupswitch arm 199. When the top shelf ifit drops (which means that themagazine is' empty), the bellcranl; is released to swing under gravitybias .to its FIG. 18 position, determined by engagement with a stop pin213, and lever 203 is released-to swingunder gravity bias to its FIG. 18position, thereby releasing switch arm 199 so that the latter swingsdownward.

The door D of the cabinet A'hasa large window 215 (see FIG. 1) behindwhich is a panel 217 on which samples 219 of merchandise stocked in themachine may be displayed. Below the window 215, the door has an accessopening 221 extending the full width of the six columns C1-C6. Withinthecabinet below the columns C1-C6 is a chute 223 (see FIG. 4) downwhichitems I dropping'oii the shelves of any 'rnagazine slide down to. theaccess opening 221. The door is wider than the cabinet and the rightside portion 225 of the door over-' laps'to some extenta money-handlingunit 227 at the right side of the, cabinet. At the right side of thedoor (in the-portion 225 thereof whichoyerlaps the moneyhandling unit227) is an array of push buttons each generically designated by theletter B. There are eighteen such push buttons, one for each of theeighteen magazines M-MIS, arranged in a vertical series of 'nine pairs,and specifically designated B1 to B18. Button B1 is related to magazineM1, button B2 is related to magazine M2,

etc. Above each button isa small window 229 through which may bedisplayed a printed card or the like denoting the merchandise in therespective magazine and the price thereof. Thus, asuming the machine isstocked with mens,

i a. coil CRA, and'two 'nornially 'open switches RAa and RAb. Relays RBand RC are single-throw double-pole relays. 'Relay RBFhasa'coil CRB andtwo normally open switches RBa and RBb. Relay RC hasa coil CRC and twonormally closed switches RCa and RCb; Relay RD,

as shown in FIG. 22, is a single-throw triple-pole relay liavinga 'coilCRD, and three normally closed switches RDa, RDband 'RDc. However, itwill be understood that with eighteen magazines relay RD will actuallyhave eighteen switches in. all.

A mainpower line PL leads into unit 227, and a neutral line NLleads outof unit 227. Switch R112 is connected in a line L33 extending from powerline PL.

Switch R21; is 'connectedin a line L34 extending from power line PL.Switch 'R3b is'connected in a line L extending from power'line PL. Hereit will be understood that, in the complete electrical control system,there are eighteen relays like R1, R2 and R3 and eighteen lines likeL33, L34 and L35 extending from these relays. Switches R10, R20 and R30are connected in branch lines 361, 393 and 3% connected to a common line3 197 which includes coil CRD of relay .RD and which connects to neutralline NL. Normally closed switch RCa of relay RC is connected in'serieswith coil CRA of relay RA anda money switch MS "in a line 3&9 connectedbetween power line PL and neutral line NL. Switch MS is normally open,being closed in response to insertion by afpurchaser into money-handingunit 227 of a sufiicient amount of money. When switch MS closes, relaycoil CRA is energized;

Switches RDa, RD]; and'RDc of relay RD are respectively connected inseries with coils CR1, CR2 and CR3 of relays R1, R2 and R3 via linesL15, L16, L17 and a common return line 311 connected to line 3937 andthus shorts of various sizes, samples thereof may be displayed infthelarge.windowIAS; The cards in the small windows 229 will indicate, theSize and theprice of shorts stocked in the respective magazines. Each ofthe'buttons is'biased outward by a spring 235 (see FIGS.19 andZQ);

The electrical control system of the machine is illus trated in FIGS. 21and 22.. For'condensation of the drawings and simplification of thedescriptiomFlGs. 21 and 22 show only those components .of the system'for controlling the operation of themotors forthe -first threemagazinesMl, 'M2, M3. Certain of the components shown'inFiG. 22 are alsoutilized in controlling the motors of. magazines Mi-Mi's; The additionalcornponents required for controlling the'motors for magazines M4-M18are'simply additive tothose shown in'FLGS.

connected to'neutral line NL. Switches Rla, R2a and 3R3d are connectedin holding circuits 313, 315 and .317 for relay'coils CR1, CR2 and CR3,respectively, branching oil from line 30%, andeach being thereby inseries with switch RCa of relay RC. A holding circuit 319 is providedfor relay coilCRA. This holding circuit in cludes normally closed switchRCb and normally open switch RAa and is adapted to shun-t money switchMS. Switch R3!) of relay RB and coil CRC are connected in series withone another in .a line'L3 which is connected toneutral line NL.Coil'CRB' is connected in a line L4 which is connected to neutralline-NL. A holding circuit 321 for coil CRB is connected between lines3&7 and L4 and includes switch RBa. 'A line L1 is'connected directly topower line lL. A line L2 is connected to line 3-557, hence to neutralline 'NL. A line L6 including switch RA!) is connected to power line PL.A line L7 including an empty signal lamp E is connected to line 397.

' Now reterring toFIG. 21, which shows the portion of magazines M1, M21and'M3 tare-specially designated 141-1,

4141-2 and 141-3. Lines L33, L34 and L35 are respec- Ttively connectedto one terminal of each of these motors.

21 and 22, 'and identical to certain componentsshown in FIGS. 21 and 22,as will be made clear.

FIG. 22. shows the portion of the electrical control system in themoney-handling unit 227. Thisscomprises push-button-responsive relaysR1-R3, controlled by the switches S1, S2 and 33 which areoperated bypush buttons B1, B2 and B3, respectively, andiouradditional relaysRA,'RB, :RC and RD. 7 Here it will be understood that,,with eighteenmagazines, and eighteen push buttons and switches, money-handling unit227 will actually include eighteen relays like R1, R2 and R3. Each ofrelays-R1, R2 and R3 :is a single-throw triple-pole relay. Thus, relayR1 comprises a co'il'CRl, and three normally open switches; Rla, Rlb andRic. Relay R2 comprises a coil CR2, and three normally open switchesR2a, R21) and R2c. Relay R3 comprises a coil CR3,

Line L2 is a common-line for the other terminals of the 'motor, and that.all'eighteen motors: are connected to line L2. The empty switches formagazines M1, M2 and M3 -are specially;designatedlw-l, 197-2 and 197-3in FIG.

and three normally open switches R321, R312 and R30.

RelayRAis a'single-throw double-pole relay comprising 221.. Here it willbe understood thateighteen such empty switches would actually appear inFIG. 21 ifthe latter were eripanded to 'showthe ico-ntrol system 'forall eighteen magazines. Eachemptyswitchis a double-throw switch having ablade323 normally closed on a first contact 325 and movable to close ona second contact 327 when the -la st item in the respective -magazine isdispensed by droppingof the top shelf. Lines-L15, L16 and L17 'areconnected to contacts 3250f empty switches 197-1, 197-2 and rev-s. I V

21 also shows the purchaser-operable switches S1, S2 and S3 (which areoperated by the push buttons B1, B2 and B3). It will be understood thateighteen such switches would appear in PEG. 21 if the latter wereexpanded to show the control system for all eighteen magazines. SwitchS1 is a single-throw normally open switch. Each of switches S2 and S3 isa double-throw switch, having a blade 329 normally closed on a firstcontact 331 and movable to close on a second contact 333. Thepurchaser-operable switches for magazines M4M18 would be double-throwswitches like S2 and S3. Line L6 is connected to the blade of the lastswitch. The blade of switch S1 is connected to the first contact ofswitch S2 by a line 335, the blade of switch S2 is connected to thefirst contact of switch S3 by a similar line 335 and, in the completesystem for all eighteen magazines, this relationship continues all theway to the last switch (which would be switch S18). The blade of thefirst empty switch 197-1 is connected by a line 337 to the firstpurchaser-operable switch S1 for completion of an L6-L15 circuit whenswitch S1 is closed and the first empty switch 197-1 is in its normalposition wherein its blade 323 is on its first contact 325. This L6-L15circuit is completed via the remaining purchaser-operable switches S2and S3.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 14, it will be observed that at the forward endof each channel member 135 for each of columns C1-C6 there is a bracket338 carrying three toggle switches located side-by-side. The left-handtoggle switch of the first column C1 is used for controlling certaindisplay lamps which are not material to this invention. The remainingseventeen toggle switches are magazine transfer switches, and aredesignated SS1-S317. These are manually operated double-throwdouble-pole switches. Each is adapted to be set either in a firstposition for control of each magazine solely by the related push button,or in a second position for automatically transferring vendingoperations from. one magazine to another when the former is emptied.Thus, for example, switch SS1, when set in its second position,automatically transfers vending operations from magazine M1 to magazineM2 when magazine M1 is emptied, and allows either button B1 or B2 to bepushed in for vending from M1 or M2. Switch SS2, when set in its secondposition, automatically transfers vending operations from magazine M2 tomagazine M3 when magazine M2 is emptied, and allows either button B2 orB3 to be pushed in for vending from M2 or M3. With both switches SS1 andSS2 set in second position, vending occurs from magazine M1 until it isempty on pushing any of buttons B1, B2 or B3, then from M2 until it isempty no matter which of these buttons is pushed, and then from M3 nomatter which of these buttons is pushed. The arrangement is such that itis possible to set up the machine for vending different items from eachof the eighteen magazines (in which case all switches are left in firstposition) or for vending the same item from any desired number ofmagazines. For example, when the machine 18 stocked to vend mens shorts,as to which size thirty-four is the fastest selling size, the firstthree magazines M1-M3 may be stocked with size thirty-four shorts, andswitches SS1 and SS2 set for automatic transfer from M1 to M2 when M1 isempty and from M2 to M3 when M2 is empty. Push buttons B1-B3 would thenbe designated (by means of the cards in the small windows) ascontrolling the vending of size thirty-four shorts, and pushing in anyone of these buttons results in dispensing from M1 until it is empty,from M2 until it is empty, and then from M3.

Referring back again to FIG. 21, only transfer switches SS1 and SS2 areshown, but it will be understood that seventeen such switches wouldactually appear in FIG. 21 if the latter were expanded to show thesystem for all eighteen magazines. Each transfer switch comprises a pairof blades 339 and 341 movable from a first position closed on contacts343 and 345 to a second position closed on contacts 347 and 349. Theblade 339 of each transfer switch is connected by a line 351 to thecontact 327 of the respective empty switch. Thus, blade 339 of switchSS1 is connected to contact 327 of empty switch 197-1, etc. Contact 343of each transfer switch is connected by a line 353 to line L7. Contact347 of each transfer switch is connected by a line 355 to the blade 323of the next successive empty switch. Thus, contact 347 of switch SS1 isconnected to blade 323 of empty switch 197-2, etc. Contacts 345 and 347of each transfer switch are inerconnected as indicated at 357. A line359 connects line 337 and contact 349 of switch SS1. Each transferswitch has its blade 341 connected by a line 361 to contact 333 of thenext successive purchase-operable switch and by a line 363 to thecontact 349 of the next successive transfer switch. Thus, blade 341 oftransfer switch SS1 is connected to contact 333 of switch S2 and tocontact 349 of transfer switch SS2. Contact 327 of empty switch 1973 isshown as connected by a line 365 to line L7. Actually, in the completecircuit for all eighteen magazines, it would be connected by a linecorresponding to lines 351 to the blade 339 of the next transfer switch(which would be SS3). Also, while FIG. 21 shows line L6 connected to theblade of switch S3, it will be understood that in the complete layout,L6 would be connected to the blade of a switch S18 and switches $41318would be added between S3 and line L6.

FIG. 21 shows the disk-operated switches 181 for the first threemagazines M1, M2 and M3, these switches here being specially designated181-1, 181-2 and 181-3. It will be understood that eighteen suchswitches would appear in a full layout. Each of these switches is adouble-throw switch, having a blade 367 adapted to close on either offirst and second contacts 369 and 371. Line L1 is connected to the bladeof the first switch 181-1 and line L3 is connected to contact 369 of thelast switch The contact 369 of each switch except the last is connectedto the blade 367 of the next switch as indicated at 373, so that anL1-L3 circuit is established when all the switches are closed oncontacts 369. Contacts 371 are connected as indicated at 375 to line L4.

Operation is as follows:

It will first be assumed that transfer switches SS1 and SS2 are set inthe first position in which they appear in FIG. 21. Money switch MS isclosed by the purchasers insertion of an appropriate amount of money inmoneyhandling unit 227. Upon closure of money switch MS, a circuit forrelay coil CRA is completed from power line PL via line 309 includingnormally closed switch RCa of relay RC to neutral line NL. Relayswitches RAa and RAb thereupon close. Upon closure of switch RAa,holding circuit 319 for relay RA is completed (switch RCb being closed)to shunt switch MS. Upon closure of switch RAb, line L6 is connected tothe power line PL.

Now assuming that the purchaser pushes button B1 to obtain an item frommagazine M1 (and assuming that there are items on all the shelves of thelatter), switch S1 is closed and a circuit is thereby completed throughthe series of purchaser-operated switches S1, S2, et'c., between linesL6 and L15 (see FIG. 21). Momentary closure of switch S1 is sufficient.Line L6 being energized and connected to line L15, a circuit iscompleted for relay coil CR1 (see FIG. 22) via line L15 (switch RDabeing closed), and lines 311 and 397 to neutral line NL. Switches Rla,R112 and Rlc thereupon close. Upon closure of switch Rla, holdingcircuit 313 for relay R1 is completed. Upon closure of switches Rlb andRlc, lines L33 and 397 are energized. With line 307 energized, relaycoil CRD is energized, and switches RDa, RDb and RDc open. With theseswitches open, repeated operation of button B1 or operation of otherbuttons is ineffective to cause any circuit changes. With line L33energized, motor 141-1 for magazine M1 is energized to drive the cam 147and disk of the operating unit 137 for magazine M1. This results inrotation of the tripoperating bar 79 of magazine M1 from its FIG. 5posiposition.

. it tion toits FIG. 7 position and then back to its FIGJS Assuming thatall the shelves of 'magazine M1 are by engagement of the hooks 61 of thecatches '53 with the -lugsf7' 7, the trips 55 of all the shelves, exceptthe bottomjshelf 15b, will occupy their retracted position such-as isshown for the uppermost shelf 15t in FIGS. and 6. 'The'trip for thebottom shelf will occupy its operative'position such as is shown for thetrip'in FIG. 7. The

first time the 't'rip-operating bar 79 is rotated from its re-- tractedFIG. -Spositionto its FIG. 7 position shown and then back to itsretracted FIG. 5 position, the bottom shelf b is released and swingsdownward to dispense the article thereon. Releaseof the shelfis'etfectedupon the return of the trip-operating bar 79 from'tne FIG. 7,

tion'until the bottom fin ger 89 rides off the arm. 65, whereupon thespring 75 returns thetrip' back to the FIG. 7- position. Now the bottomfinger 89 is behind the trip arm 65, and when the bar .79 rotates backfrom the FIG. 7 position to the FIG. 8 position, the bottom finger39'thereon rotates the trip counterclockwise from the FIG. 7 position tothe FIG. 8 position. This counter clockwise rotation of the trip effectscounterclockwise rotation of the catch '53 from the FIG. 7 position tothe 7 FIG. 8 position by reason of the engagement of the por- 'tion 67of the trip with the bottom arm 59 of the catch,

thereby rotating the hook 61 of the catch out of engagelatched in'theirraised horizontal article-carrying position fiient wini the liig 77 t o''free the shelf 1511 so th-at it may fall downward-under its own weightand the weight of the item I thereon. None of theshelvesabove the bottomshelf are released, however, retracted position.

When the bottom shelf 1 5 b ofthe .rnagazine 'M1 is released-and swingsdownwardjthe cam 91 on the back of the flange19'of thebottom shelf movesaway from the feeler'69 ofthetrip55 'of the second shelf. Thetrip 55 ofthe second shelf thereupon moves under-the bias or cause their trips arein'r'etractedposit'ion. When the sec- 3H 'orid shelf isrelea'sed,thetrip 55 of the third shelf is released, and the next time the; bar 79is. operated, the third shelf is released, and soon up to the top shelf'15t;

As the disk 185 approaches the end of a revolution, the.

Noneof the I because their trips are 'in' 12' 313 for relay R1 and thelatter opens. With R1 open, switches Rlb and Rlc are opento deenergizelines L33 and 307, with the result that motor 141-1 and relay coils CRDand CRB'are deenergized. Relay RD thus recloses and relay RB reopens.When relay RB opens, relay RC is deenergized and its switches reclose.Thus, the initial circuit conditions are restored to be in readiness forthe next vend cycle.

When the. last item ,in magazine M1 is dispensed by dropping of the topshelf 15!, the blade 323 of empty switch 197-1 (see FIG. 21) opens offcontact 325 and closes on contact 327. Then, when a purchaser pushes inbutton B1, a circuit is completed for the empty signal lamp E via lineL6, the series of button-actuated'switches "S1, S2, etc., line 337,blade 323, line 351 extending from switch 197-1, blade 339 of transferswitch SS1, line 353,

line L7 and line 3%7 to neutral line NL, The empty signal lamp Ein lineL7 is thereby energized toindicate that magazine M1 is emptyand toadvise the purchaser to make another selection."

Assuming that a purchaser (after insertion of money 'to' close switchMS) pushes buttonBZ toobtain an item from magazine M2 (and assuming thatthere areitems in the latter), switch S2 is closed and a circuit isthereby completed between lines L6 and L16 via S3, 52, line 361, blade341 and contact 345 of transfer switch SS1, lines 357 and 355 and blade323 and contact325 of empty switch 13 7-2. Line L6 being energized andconnected to line L16, a circuit is completed for relay coil CR2 (seeFIG. 22) via line L16 (switch RDb being closed), and ines 311. and 3117to neutral line NLJ Switches R2a, R2b R2c thereupon close. Upon closureof switch RZa, holding circuit 315 forrelay R2 is completed. Uponclosure of switches R2b and R2c,.lines. L34 and 3117 are energized.

'With line 3117 energized, relay coil CRD is energized, and

switches RDa, RDb and RDc open to render the push buttons ineffective.With line L34? energized, motor 141-2 for magazine M2 is energized todrive the cam 147 and disk 185 of the operating unit 137 for magazineM2. This results in rotation of the trip-operating bar of 'magazine M2for dispensing an item therefrom in the same manner as above describedfor'magazine M1.

As the-disk 185 of unit-137 for magazine M2 approaches the end of arevolution, the roller 184 on the end of the operating arm 183 for thedisk-operatedswitch 181-2 associated with magazine M2 drops into thenotch 187 in the disk, and the blade 367 of this switch opens from itscontact 3169 and closes on its contact 371 (see'FIG. 21). This connectsline, L1 (energized 'directly from power line PL) to line L4. Coil CRBof relay R13 is thereupon enenergized via line L4, and switches RBa andRBb of this relay close." Closure of switch RBa establishes holdingcircuit 321for coil CRB; Roller 184 moves out of notch .187 asthe disk135 completes a revolution so that switch 181-2 returns to its initialposition with its blade-367 on contact 369. Accordingly, line L3 isenergized from line L1. With line L3 energized and switch RBI) of relay7 1 RB closed, coil CRC of relay RC is energized. This opens roller 184on;the end of "the operating arm 183 for the 1 disk-operated switch181-1 associated-with magazine M1 drops intothenotch 187 in the disk(see FIGJIZ), andthe blade 3670f thisswitch opens from contact 369 andcloses on contact 371 '(see'FIG. 2l)i energi'zedand switch RBb 'of relay RB closed; coil CRC.

of relay RC is energizede This opens switches RCa and RC1? Thisdeenergizes' holding circuit 319 for relay CRA,

V and thela'tter opens; It also deenergizes-holdingcircuit This connectsline L1- energized directly from power line PL) to line L4." Coilswitches RCa' and RCb This deenergizes holding circuit 319.for relayCRA, and, the latter'opens. 'It also deen- 1 ergizes'holding circuit 315for .relay R2 and the latter opens. With R2 open, switches RZb and R20.are open to deenergize linesL34 and 307," with the result that motor141-2 and relay coils, CRD and CRB are deenergized. Relay RD thusrecloses and relay RB reopens. When relay RB opens, relay RC isdeenergized and its switches reclo'se.'-.Thus, the initial circuitconditions are restored to be in readiness for thenext'vend cycle.

When. the last item in magazine M2 is dispensed by droppingof its topshelf 15t, theblade 32 3 of-empty switch'197-2 (seeFIG. 21) opens offitscontact 325 and closes on its contact 327. 'Then, when a purchaserpushes {in button B2, a'circuit is completed for the empty signal lampE'via line L6, switches S3'and S2,'line 361 extending from S2, blade 341and contact'345 of transfer 13 switch SS1, lines 357 and 355 extendingto empty switch 197-2, blade 323 and contact 327 of the latter, line 351extending from switch 197-2, blade 339 and contact 343 of transferswitch SS2, line 353 extending from the latter,

line L7 and line 397 to neutral line NL. The empty signal lamp E in lineL7 is thereby energized to indicate that magazine M2 is empty and toadvise the purchaser to make another selection.

Assuming that a purchaser (after insertion of money to close switch MS)pushes button B3 to obtain an item from magazine M3 (and assuming thatthere are items in the latter), switch S3 is closed and a circuit isthereby completed between lines L6 and L17 via S3, line 361 extendingfrom S3, blade 341 and contact 345 of transfer switch SS3, lines 357 and355 extending from SS3 and blade 323 and contact 325 of empty switch197-3. Line 6 being energized and connected to line L17, a circuit iscompleted for relay coil CR3 (see FIG. 22) via line L17 (switch RDcbeing closed), and lines 311 and 367 to neutral line NL. Switches R351,R3b and R30 thereupon close. Upon closure of switch R341, holdingcircuit 317 for relay R3 is completed. Upon closure of switches R3b andR30, lines L35 and 397 are energized. With line 397 energized, relaycoil CRD is energized, and switches RDa, R131) and R130 open to renderthe push buttons ineffective. With. line L35 energized, motor 141-3 formagazine M3 is energized to drive the cam 147 and disk 185 of theoperating unit 137 for magazine M3. This results in rotation of thetrip-operating bar of magazine M3 for dispensing an item therefrom inthe same manner as above described for magazine M1.

As the disk 185 of unit 137 for magazine M3 approaches the end of arevolution, the roller 184 on the end of the operating arm 183 for thedisk-operated switch 181-3 associated with magazine M3 drops into thenotch 137 in the disk, and the blade 367 of this switch opens from itscontact 369 and closes on its contact 371 (see FIG. 21). This connectsline L1 (energized directly from power line PL) to line L4. Coil CRB ofrelay RB is thereupon energized via line L4, and switches RBa and RBb ofthis relay close. Closure of switch RBa establishes holding circuit 321for coil CRB. Roller 184 moves out of notch 187 as the disk 185completes a revolution so that switch 181-3 returns to its initialposition with its blade 367 on contact 369. Accordingly, line L3 isenergized from line L1. With line L3 energized and switch RBI: of relayRB closed, coil CRC of relay RC is energized. This opens switches ROIand RCb. This deenergizes holding circuit 319 for relay CRA, and thelatter opens. It also deenergizes holding circuit 317 for relay R3 andthe latter opens. With R3 open, switches R3!) and R30 are open todeenergize lines L35 and 307, with the result that motor 141-3 and relaycoils CRD and CRB are deenergized. Relay RD thus recloses and relay RBreopens. When relay RB opens, relay RC is deenergized and its switchesreclose. Thus, the initial circuit conditions are restored to be inreadiness for the next vend cycle.

When the last item in magazine M3 is dispensed by dropping of its topshelf 15t, the blade 323 of empty switch 197-3 (see FIG. 21) opens offits contact 325 and closes on its contact 327. Then, when a purchaserpushes in button B3, a circuit is completed for the empty signal lamp Evia line L6, switch S3, line 361 extending from S3, blade 341 andcontact 345 of transfer switch SS2, lines 357 and 355 extending from thelatter, line 365, line L7 and line 307 to neutral line NL. The emptysignal lamp E in line L7 is thereby energized to indicate that 'magazineM3 is empty and to advise the purchaser to make another selection.

Now it will be assumed that both transfer switches SS1 and SS2 are setin their second position, in which their blades 339 and 341 are oncontacts 347 and 349. Under these circumstances, closure of any one ofswitches S1, S2 or S3 results in energization of line L15 forenergization of line L33 to energize motor 141-1 for magazine M1 forvending therefrom until it is emptied. Thus, when switch S1 is closed,line L15 is energized in the same manner as previously described. WhenS2 is closed, line L15 is energized from line L6 via switch S3, line 335connecting S3 and S2, blade 329 and contact 333 of S2, line 361, blade341 and contact 349 of transfer switch SS1, lines 359 and 337, and blade323 and contact 325 of empty switch 197-1. When S3 is closed, line L15is energized from line L6 via S3, line 361 extending from S3, blade 341and contact 349 of transfer switch SS2, line 363, blade 341 and contact349 of transfer switch SS1, lines 359 and 337 and blade 323 and contact325 of empty switch 197-1.

When magazine M1 is emptied, the blade 323 of empty switch 197-1 opensfrom its contact 325 and closes on its contact 327. T hereupon, closureof any one of switches S1, S2 or S3 results in energization of line L16for energization of line L34 to energize motor 141-2 for magazine M2 forvending therefrom until it is empty. Thus, when switch S1 is closed,line L16 is energized from line L6 via switches S3, S2, S1, line 337,blade 323 and contact 327 of switch 197-1, line 351 extending from197-1, blade 339 and contact 347 of transfer switch SS1, line 355extending from the latter, and blade 323 and contact 325 of switch197-2. When S2 is closed, line L16 is energized from line L6 viaswitches S3 and S2, line 361, blade 341 and contact 349 of transferswitch SS1, line 359, line 337, blade 323 and contact 327 of 197-1, line351 extending from 197-1, blade 339 and contact 347 of transfer switchSS1, line 355 extending from the latter, and blade 323 and contact 325of 197-2. When S3 is closed, line L16 is energized from line L6 viaswitch S3, line 361 extending from S3, blade 341 and contact 349 oftransfer switch SS2, line 363, line 361 connected to blade 341 of SS1,and thence to line L16 in the same manner as when S2 is closed.

When magazine M2 is emptied, blade 323 of empty switch 197-3 opens fromits contact 325 and closes on its contact 327. T hereupon, closure ofany one of switches S1, S2 or S3 results in energization of line L17 forenergization of line L35 to energize motor 141-3 for magazine M3 forvending therefrom. Thus, when switch S1 is closed, line L17 is energizedfrom line L6 via switches S3, S2, S1, line 337, blade 323 and contact327 of empty switch 197-1, line 351 extending from 197-1, blade 339 andcontact 347 of SS1, line 355 extending from SS1, blade 323 and contact327 of 197-2, line 351 extending from 197-2, blade 339 and contact 347of SS2, line 355 extending from SS2, and blade 323 and contact 325 of197-3. When S2 is closed, line 17 is energized from line L6 via S3 andS2, line 361 extending from S2, blade 341 and contact 349 of SS1, line337 and thence to line L17 in the same manner as when S1 is closed. WhenS3 is closed, line L17 is energized from L6 via line 361 extending fromS3, blade 341 and contact 349 of SS2, line 363, line 361 extending toSS1, and thence to line L17 in the same manner as when S1 is closed.

From the above, it will be apparent that, with the transfer switches S51and SS2 for each two successive magazines or dispensers M1-M2 and M2-M3set in their first position as illustrated in FIG. 21, a circuit iscompleted for each magazine or dispenser through the respective emptyswitch 197-1, 197-2 or 197-3 only on operation of the respectivepurchaser-operable switch S1, S2 or S3 until the magazine or dispenseris empty. Thus, a circuit is completed for magazine or dispenser M1through empty switch 197-1 only on operation of purchaser-operableswitch S1 until M1 is empty. A circuit is completed for M2 through emptyswitch 197-2 only on operation of purchaser-operable switch 32 until M2is empty. A circuit is completed for M3 through empty switch 197-3 onlyon operation of purchaser-operable switch S3 until M3 is empty. The modeof operation for the remainder of the magazines in the complete layoutof eighteen magazines is the same. 'When any magazine is empty, and therespective purchaser operable switch therefor is actuated, the emptysignal lamp E is energized. a

When the transfer switches SS1 and SS2 are set in their second position,a circuit is completed for the first magazine or dispenser .Ml throughitsempty switch 197- 1 each time any purchaser-operable switch S1, S2 orS3 is actuated until the first emptyvswitch 197-1 is'actuated inresponse to emptying of M1. When M1 is empty, a circuit for the secondmagazine or dispenser M2 is completed through the first empty switch197-1, the first transfer switch SS1 and the second emptyswitch 197-2each time any purchaser-operable switch S1, S2 or S3 is actuated untilthe second empty swit'ch 197-2 is actuated in response to emptying ofM2. When M2 isemptyQ a circuit for the third magazine or dispenser-M3 iscompleted through the first empty switch197-1 the'first transfer switchSSl, the second emptysvvitch 197-2, the second transfer switch SS2 andthe third empty switch 197-3 each time any purchaser-operable switch S1,S2 or S3 is actuated until the third empty switch "197-3 is r actuatedin response to emptying of M3.

If all seventeen transfer switches in the out were initially set intheir. second position, vending complete layi would proceed-in sequencethroughout the entire eighteen magazines or dispensers IVE-M18 as eachbecomes empty in response to'actuation of any one of the eighteenpurchaser-operable switches.- Usually, however, only a series ofmagazines less than the full eighteen would be so utilized. A

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several ings shall beinterpreted as illustrated and not in a limit- 40 ing sense.

We claim: c 1. A vending machinehcomprising a'series of electricallyactuated dispensers, a' series of purchaser-operable switches one foreach dispenser,-a series of empty switches one for each dispenser andeach operable in responseto emptying of the respective dispenser, aseries of transfer switches one for each two successivedispensersandone'for each dispenser and each operable in responseto emptying of therespective dispenser, a series of transfer switches oneffor each twosuccessive dispensers andeach adapted to be set in a first position wesecond position,

' and'int erconnections between said switches and motors penser isempty, and adapted when'the transfer-switches are in their secondposition to complete 'a circuit for the motor for the first dispenserthrough its empty switch and 'to'hold'ithe circuit to complete a vendcycle each time any purchaser-operable switch is actuated until thefirst empty switch is actuated in response to emptying of the ,firstdispensen thentoucomplete a circuit for the motor for the seconddispenser through, the first empty switch, the first transfer switch andthe second'empty switch and to hold the circuit to complete a vend cycleeach time any purchaser-operable switch is actuated until thesecondempty switchis actuated in response to emptying of the seconddispenser,andso on throughout the series.

4; A vending machine as set forth in claim 3, including electrical sinal means energized in response to operation of any empty switch uponemptying of the respective dispenser when said transfer switches are intheir first position. 7 I v v 5. A'venfding machineicomprising a seriesof dispensers each-adapted tohoidastock of items, a series of electricmotors one for each dispenser each operable through a vent cycle forvending anitem from the respective dispenser, a series ofpurchaser-operable switches one for each motor, a series of emptyswitches one for each dispenser and each operable in response toemptying of the respective' dispenser, a series of transfer switches oneeach adapted to be set in a first position or a second. 7

position, and interconnections between said switches and dispensersadapted when the transfer switches are in their first position tocomplete a circuit for eachfdispenser through the respective emptyswitch' only onoperation -'of the respective purchaser-operable switchand until the dispenser is empty, and adapted whenthe transfer switchesaretin their second position to complete a circuit for the firstdispenser through its empty switch each time-any purchaser-operableswitch isactuated and until the first empty switch is actuated inresponse to emptying of the first dispenser, then to complete a circuitfor the second dispenser through the-first empty switch, the firsttransfer switch and the second empty switch each time anypurchaser-operable switch is actuated and until the second empty switchis actuated in response to emptying of the second so on throughout theseries.

2. In a vending machine as set forth in claim indispenser, and 4 Ieluding electrical signal means" energized in response ,7 to operationof any empty switch upon emptying oi the respective 1 dispenser, aseries of purchaser-operable switches one foreach-motona series of emptyswitches for each itwo successive dispensers and each adapted to be setin a first-position or a seco'nd'position, a series of relays one foreach'rnotor, a money switch, and'interconnections between said'switches,motors and relays adapted when the transfer switches arein-theinfirstposition to complete a-circuit for each'relay throughthe'respective empty switch'to energize the respective motorand to holdthe circuit to complete a. vendcycle only on closure of the money switchand operation of the respective-purchaser-operable switch and until thedispenser is empty,

7 and adapted when the transfer switches are in their second position tocomplete a circuit for the first relay through the first "emtpy switchto energize the first motor and to hold the circuit to complete a vendcycle each time the money switch is closedand any purchaser-operable.switchisactuated'until the first empty switch is actuated in response toemptyingflof the first dispenser,

then't'o complete a. circuit for the second relay through the first.empty switch, the first transferfswitch and the second empty swi tch toenergize'the second motor and to hold the circuit'to complete a vendcycle each time the money switch 'is closed and any purchaser-operableswitch is'actuated until the second empty switch is actuatedin responseto emptying of the second dispenser, and so :on' throughout the series.I r i 6.1A'vendnig machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein each emptyswitch isa double -throw switch adapted when the respective dispenserhas one or more items therein to completea circuit to the respectiverelay and whe'n'the respective'dispenseris empty to complete a circuitthrough a respective "transfer switch. s l

7. A vending machine as set fo'rthin claim 6, wherein each transferswitch is a double-throw switch adapted .when set in its first positionto complete an empty signal circuit from the preceding emptyswitch andwhen set in its second position tocomplete a circuit from the, precedmgempty switch to the, next empty switch.

8. 'A vending machine as set forth in claim 6, wherein each transferswitch -is a double-throwvdouble-pole switch

1. A VENDING MACHINE COMPRISING A SERIES OF ELECTRICALLY ACTUATEDDISPENSERS, A SERIES OF PURCHASER-OPERABLE SWITCHES ONE FOR EACHDISPENSER, A SERIES OF EMPTY SWITCHES ONE FOR EACH DISPENSER AND EACHOPERABLE IN RESPONSE TO EMPTYING OF THE RESPECTIVE DISPENSER, A SERIESOF TRANSFER SWITCHES ONE FOR EACH TWO SUCCESSIVE DISPENSERS AND EACHADAPTED TO BE SET IN A FIRST POSITION OR A SECOND POSITION, ANDINTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN SAID SWITCHES AND DISPENSERS ADAPTED WHEN THETRANSFER SWITCHES ARE IN THEIR FIRST POSITION TO COMPLETE A CIRCUIT FOREACH DISPENSER THROUGH THE RESPECTIVE EMPTY SWITCH ONLY ON OPERATION OFTHE RESPECTIVE EMPTY PURCHASER-OPERABLE SWITCH AND UNTIL AND DISPENSERIS EMPTY, AND ADAPTED WHEN THE TRANSFER SWITCHES ARE IN THEIR SECONDPOSITION TO COMPLETE A CIRCUIT FOR THE FIRST DISPENSER THROUGH ITS EMPTYSWITCH EACH TIME ANY PURCHASER-OPERABLE SWITCH IS ACTUATED AND UNTIL THEFIRST EMPTY SWITCH IS ACTUATED IN RESPONSE TO EMPTYING OF THE FIRSTDISPENSER, THEN TO COMPLETE A CIRCUIT FOR THE SECOND DISPENSER THROUGHTHE FIRST EMPTY SWITCH, THE FIRST TRANSFER SWITCH AND THE SECOND EMPTYSWITCH EACH TIME ANY PURCHASER-OPERABLE SWITCH IS ACTUATED AND UNTIL THESECOND EMPTY SWITCH IS ACTUATED IN RESPONSE TO EMPTYING OF THE SOUNDDISPENSER, AND SO ON THROUGHOUT THE SERIES.